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NEW YORK 
170 YEARS AGO 



A VIE¥, 



EXPLANATORY NOTES 



JOSEPH w\ MOULTON. 



NEW YORK: 

Wm. G. BoggB, Printer, Evening Post Buildings, 23 & 26 Pine Street. 



Deremher, 1843. 



IXcw IDorIi in 1673 



Sixty-four years prior to this date, Manhattan Island on 
which the City of New York now stands, was discovered by 
Henry Hudson, and named by the Indians Man-a-hatta to 
denote according to the Lenni Lemiape or Delawares, not 
only the landing place of the discoverer, but the effects of the 
" 7nad loatersy'' which he gave to the natives in his first inter- 
view ; the literal interpretation of the name being — " the ]jlace 
where we all got drunk." 

New Amsterdam was llie title by which the Hollanders 
distinguished their little dorp or village, the nucleus of which 
had been formed by a few huts erected as early as 1613 for 
sheltering their fur trade and whale fishery, on the point where 
it is supposed Hudson had landed. By that name it was 
known for more than forty years, as the capital, during the 
administrations (1625 to IG64,) of Minuet, Van Twiller. Kieft 
and Stuyvesant, the successive Directors or Governors-General 
of Novum Belgium or New Netherland, a province which 
embraced portions of the present States of Delaware, New 
Jersey, New York and Connecticut. 

The administration of the Governors-General, Stuyvesant, 
who for seventeen years (1647 to 1664) had ruled tlie province 
with singular address and ability, was terminated by his reluc- 
tant surrender of the city to an overpowering fleet from England 
in 1664. The City and Province from that date assumed, and 
until 1673 retained the name of New York. During the in- 
tervening nine years, it was governed as an English Province 
by Nicolls and his successor Lovelace. 

It was during the administration of the latter, while he was 
devising plans to ameliorate the condition and extend the 
commercial intercourse of the city, (for he had just ordered 
the " Great Dyke" or Broad street Canal, to be improved ; the 



streets to be paved, and the first mail known to the citi- 
zens to commence New Year's Day, (1673,) its journey, by a 
" sworn messenger and sealed bag" 07ice a month lo and from 
" Boston, Hartford, Connecticut and places along the road,") 
that the leading event connected with the above date took 
place, which ended his authority and suspended for thirteen 
months the exercise of the English sovereignty over the 
Province. 

THE CONQUEST. 

England and Holland were at war. The vigilance of that 
extraordinary people, whose surpassing energy of character, 
and matchless enterprise and valor, had filled the world's ad- 
miration for more than half a century, quickly detected the 
vulnerable condition of this city. They despatched a fleet 
of five vessels of war, and trusted the issue of the enterprise 
to the skill and courage of Commodores Cornells Evertson, 
jun., and Jacob Benches ; Captains Anthonio Colve, Nicholaes 
Boes, and Abram Ferdinand Van Zyll. The fleet anchored in 
July at the outlet of the Narrows, and on the 30th ap- 
proached the fort in an attitude to enforce their previous de- 
mand of a surrender. Manning, w4io conmianded it on be- 
half of the English government, yielded its keys w^ithout 
firing a gun. He was subsequently tried for his imputed cow- 
ardice, and his sword broken over his head in execution of the 
sentence which disqualified him from any oflSce, military or 
civil. But it is very doubtful whether resistance would have 
been available to save the fort from destruction or the city 
from conflagration.* Besides, the popidation were, ten to 
one, Hollanders ; and Manning might have readily discovered 
the strong conflict between native feeling and forced allegi- 
ance, which would have neutralized any attempt on his part 
to retain possession of the city. The conquerors now trans- 

* Some of the tenements had reed and straw roofs, and wooden 
chiranies. 



ferred their sessions, as a Council of War, from the fleet to 
the fort; and, assuming- the authority of a Supreme MiUtary 
Tribunal, proceeded at once to organize a new government. 



GOVERNMENT. 

The name of Fort Willem Hendrick was substituted for 
Fort James. It was situate on high ground, directly south of 
an open space called the parade, now Bowling Green. It was 
a regular square with four bastions, had two gates, and 
mounted forty-two cannon. New Orange was the new de- 
signation of the city, as a compliment to the Prince of Orange ; 
and the province resumed its ancient name of New Nether- 
iand. After these nominal exchanges Colve, one of the com- 
manding officers of the fleet, was provisionally appointed 
Governor General ; and Cornelis Steenwyck, whose politics or 
popularity had sustained his elevation througli every public 
vicissitude, (for he was Burgomaster under Stuyvesant, Com- 
missioner at the capitulation in 1664, Mayor of the city un- 
der Nicolls in 1668, and under Lovelace in 1669,) was ap- 
pointed Counsellor of State. 

The City Hall {Stadt Huys) was the next place of their 
meeting. This seat of legislation and justice, memorable in 
the affairs of the city and colony, was situate on Hoog iStraeC 
or High street, now Pearl, opposite Coenties slip, Nicolas Bay- 
ard was then appointed Secretary of State, or Secretary of the 
city ; and Geheim Schryver (Recorder of Secrets,) for the 
Province, auctioneer for the city, and Book-keeper and Re- 
ceiver-General of the revenues. 

The selection of these officers for the general government, 
was from 'the best' and 'best qualified.' The people there- 
fore were virtually consulted, for they were too single-minded 
and virtuous to wish any other test of qualification for office. 
In this and in the direct appeal to them, which will be pre- 
sently shown, we see that even in presence of a conquering 
fleet, popular sovereignty — the sovereignty of opinion — was re- 



cognized in the very act of organizing a new government over 
their conquest. It is so in every instance of the formation and 
administration of government. If tyrannical, it is influenced by 
popular opinion through fear ; if hberal, througli choice. Tlie 
sovereignty of the people, therefore, as expressed in popular feel- 
ing and opinion, lies at the base of every government. If corrupt, 
it engenders but still controls arbitrary power; if enlightened 
and virtuous, it is the conservative strength, as well as origin 
and paramount authority of the government. In all cases it 
speaks emphatically, though it speak in silence. In tbe pre- 
sent instance there appeared to be a strict regard to this pri- 
mary element of political power, and in the choice of the city 
magistracy, the people, who were directly interested, were to 
be directly consulted. 

The "Commanders and military council," therefore, invited 
the citizens to elect deputies to confer with them at the City 
Hall. They did so. The deputies then notified the citizens 
to assemble and nominate a list of six Burgomasters, (an 
office similar to Aldermen,) and fifteen Schepens (or assist- 
ant Aldermenj " of the best and most respectable citizens, of 
the reformed Christian religion only." The citizens next day 
assembled in general meeting, and made their nomination by 
a Tiiajoriiy of votes,* viz; For Burgomasters, Cornells 



* All citizens (burgers,) were entitled to vote. The suffrage with 
them Avas universal. But citizenship (Btirgerrecht,) was a privilege 
and a distinction under the Holland dynasty. It was divided into 
great and small (Groot Burgerrecht and Klein Bnrgerrecht.) Mer- 
chants, traders, and shop-keepers were obliged to pay a duty for the 
privilege of becoming small citizens ; {klein burgers,) besides a recog- 
nition duty, a duly to the public wharf, to the overseer of the weigh- 
scales, to the store house, (pack huijs,) and to the weigh master, 
(eyck meister) for marking their weights and measures according to 
the ' true Amsterdam standard.' In 1673, their privileges were fur- 
ther taxed, for the public defence, by an extraordinary duty of two per 
cent, on exports of beaver and other furs ; two and a-half on imports 
of 'friezes and blankets, and five on imports of powder, ball, brandies, 
and distilled waters." 



Steenwyck, Cornelis Van Ruyven, Joliannis Van Bnigh,t 
Marten Cregier, Joliannis de Peyster,t and Nicholas Bayard. 

For iSchepcns, Jeronimus Ebbinghjt William Beeckman,:|: 
Egidius Luyck, Jacob Kip,t Gelyn Verplanck,! Lourans Van de 
Spiegel,! Balthazaer Bayard, Francois Rombouts, Stephen Van 
Cortlant, Adolph Pietersen, Reynier Willemson, Peter Jacob- 
sen, Jan Vigne, Pieter Stoutenlmrg, Coenract Ten Eyck. 

Those marked t were appointed burgomasters, and Egidius 
Luyck, (who had been rector of the Latin school) was super- 
added as a third burgomaster. Those marked :j: were elected 
Schepens, and Anthony De Mill, Sheriff; and took an oath of 
allegience " to the high and mighty lords, the States-general 
of the United Netherlands, and his highness the lord prince of 
Orange," to obey their magistrates, who were or might be 
appointed, administer equal justice to parties, promote the 
welfare of the city, " defend and protect in every part the sin- 
cere and true Christian religion, in conformity to the Synod of 
Dordrecht, as instructed in the churches of Netherland." 

A proclamation was then issued, (August 18,) restoring the 
form of government of the city to its ancient character of 
sheriff, burgomasters, and schepens,* as practised " in all the 
cities of our Fatherland ;" and the officers now commissioned 
and proclaimed were directed in addition to the duties indi- 
cated by their oath, to govern the inhabitants, citizens, and 
strangers, ''in conformity to the laws and statutes of our 
Fatherland." 

The same day a sequestration was ordered, by the military 
council, of the property belonging to England, France, or their 
subjects. 

Thus in two weeks after the conquest, the government was 
organized. The office of ' Mayor and Auditor of the city of 
New Orange,' was afterwards created ; and Jacobus Van de 
Waeter was appointed by the governor and council to fill that 
dignity. It was an office unknown to the order of the ancient 

* Burgomasters and Schepens were like the English order of Alder- 
men and Assistants. 



magistracy, but familiar to the citizens, who for nine years 
previously had been accustomed to regard it with deference. 
It became in the present emergency, a very useful appendage 
to the government, for the Mayor was invested with the 
general military police of the municipality, and as Auditor 
acted as Secretary to the military council. 



POWERS OF THE GOVERNMENT. 

The supreme legislative, judicial and executive authority 
rested in the Governor General and his Council. His Coun- 
cil on all general occasions were the Burgomasters, associated 
with the Counsellor of State. The Sellout, Burgomasters, 
and Schepens were invested with subordinate authority and 
limited jurisdiction. The tSchout was a high officer; (de 
Heer officier ;) being not only High Sheriff {Hoofdt /Schout) 
but Public Prosecutor for the city and Attorney General of 
the province, {Fiscacl imd Procureiir Gefieral.) The 
offices of Schout, Burgomasters and Schejiens formed the 
body of the municipal magistracy. But the Governor re- 
served the right of presiding, in person or by deputy, in their 
courts and sessions. In his absence the Schout presided, ex- 
cepting when he acted as prosecutor, in which case he retired 
from the bench and submitted his "conclusion," or opinion, 
upon which the decision was made, subject to the modifica- 
tion of the Governor and Council. * 

As a legislative body they had power to pass municipal 



* For instance, in 1673, the Schout's " conclusion," in a prosecu- 
tion against the Lutheran Minister, Jacobus Fabricius, for officiating 
in the marriage of a couple without authority, and " without a previous 
proclamation," was: that he be flogged and banished, and pay ex- 
penses of prosecution; but the "modification" of the Governor and 
Council, who were strict Calvinists, was— that "in consideration of 
his old age and former services," he be suspended from clerical duties 
one year. The possible object of the prosecution was therefore ob- 
tained, without its proposed severity. 



laws, to be approved by ilie Governor, mid modelled upon 
those of the " Fatherland ;" but their legislation and semi-judi- 
cial and executive action were to be in strict subordination to 
the supreme laws {protocols and plackards) of the Gover- 
nor and Council. In their semi-judicial and executive capa- 
city they had cognizance of all matters touching- the " police, 
security and peace of the inhabitants." Their civil jurisdic- 
tion, as a court, extended to the "sum" of "fifty beavers;" 
a currency which, with seaiDcint, or wampum, (Indian shell 
money,) constituted the circulating medium of the city; the 
standard value of which had maintained, for more than thirty 
years, a steadiness which no violent concussion of political 
policy had deranged; but which fluctuated merely to the 
quantity of the symbol itself, (compared with its specie stan- 
dard,) in the production of which a specific quantity of labor 
was requisite. For in that long period the currency of beaver 
sS:ins had not become 'inflated' more than 35. ^d. (41^ cents) 
beyond its original standard, £1, ($2 50,) nor seawant "con- 
tracted" more than two beads to a styver.* In criminal cases 
their jurisdiction extended to sentence of death, or corporeal 
punishment; but no execution could take place until the ap- 
proval of the Governor and Council, provided the culprit 
thought proper to appeal to them. 

Such was the distribution of the powers of government. 

* Seavi^ant had become scarce, so as to require a new regulation of 
its value in June, 1673; when it was decreed in Council that instead 
of eight white heads and four black beads, six white and three black 
should pass for a stuyver, or English penny, (two cents.) The 
scarcity of money, and the depreciation of the currency, Avere, it 
seems, inflictions in those days; for Governor Kicft, thirty-two 
years before, bewailed, in an ordinance, that a "vast deal" of bad 
seawant, " rough things, imported from other 'places,^'' was in circu- 
lation ; while the "good splendid seawant, usually called Maw^ai/an's 
seawant^ was out of sight, or exported, which must cause the ruin of 
the country !" Therefore all coarse seawmit, well stringed, should 
pass at six for a stuyver only, but the well polished at four for a stuy- 
ver; and whoever offered or received the same at a different price 
should forfeit the same and two gilders to the poor. 
2 



10 



Each department had its assigned duties; and all were bound 
" to acknowledge their High Mightinesses the States-General 
of the United Netherlands, and his Serene Highness the Lord 
Prince of Orange as their Supreme Sovereign, and to main- 
tain their high jurisdictionj rights, and domain in this coun- 
try." 



THE CRISIS. 

To maintain their domain at the present crisis was not so 
easy a task as that of acknowledging a sovereign, to which 
they were attached by the powerful impetus of national glory 
and kindred association. This they were aware of. No one 
imagined that England who by tiie treaty of Breda, (1667,) 
had ceded valuable possessions in exchange for this Province, 
would suffer its advantages to be wrested from her withou't 
a signal exertion to blot out the ignominy of a conquest to 
which her local government had submitted without a struggle. 
To prepare therefore, for this demonstration was the cardinal 
point to which the new government were to direct its atten- 
tion. By its establishment, the functions of the Supreme 
Military Tribunal were in a measure exhausted. Neverthe- 
less, their united exertions were directed to place the city in 
an attitude of entire and perfect defence. They had all made 
up their minds — first, that an attack was inevitable ; secondly, 
that it depended on themselves whether it should be success- 
ful. There was an obstinacy of valor in the Dutch character 
which acliieved impossibilities. Amid their most trying diffi- 
culties, there was a redeeming decision and energy that 
carried them through all obstacles triumphantly. They 
were indeed a remarkable people ; honest in purpose ; inflexi- 
ble in faith ; resolute in self-denial ; calmly brave and judicious ; 
religious without fanaticism ; and in the administration of 
justice strictly impartial. 

That the retention of their concjucst depended on them- 
selves, was a belief which it required very little persuasion to 



11 



inciilcale ihiougliout the cit}-. But policy required, at least, 
that unity of feeling should accompany executive energy. 
The disafTected therefore, including the ci-devant Governor 
Lovelace and his suit were ordered from the city. There was 
now but one soul of action. A brave determination pervaded 
all classes. A calm piety mingled in tiie deliberations of the 
magistracy. The Schout, Burgomasters and Schepens, at the 
City Hall, daily opened their sessions in prayer. The Governor 
and Council at the fort, instituted a rigid supervision over the 
morals of the soldiery. A strict police through the city was 
established. The city became guarded day and night at 
every assailable point. At the fort, the guard mounted the 
ramparts upon duty. The sentinels were stationed at the 
gates. Subaltern officers took the rounds during the night; 
visited the walls; passed the watch word, and changed the 
sentinels each half hour. The reveille was given each 
morning at day break. The gates were soon after thrown 
open until sun set. The taj) toe was played each evening at 
nine. It was the signal for retirement. 

In the city also, the gates, fortifications and bulwaiks were 
guarded day and night. The principle guard [Hoofdt-ioag^) 
was stationed at the City Hall. Hence the Mayor daily 
proceeded with a guard of armed soldiers to the fort; received 
from the Governor the keys of the city gates, and accompanied 
by his guard opened the gates in the morning and closed them 
in the evening; and having stationed the citizen guard {bur- 
ger waght.) and night watches, returned the keys to the 
Governor. At the head also, of the city militia {scuttery) he 
each evening held a parade before the City Hall. 

Such was the routine of military duty. All was order. 
Civil regulations were also adopted, which the citizens, at a 
less perilous period, might have deemed arbitrary. But the 
Dutch paid homage to tlie supremacy of law. Private incon- 
venience for the general good was the patriot's duty. They 
submitted to direct taxation, to demolition of houses that em- 
barrassed the defence, and to the assumption on the part of 



12 



the governor and council of the doubtful prerogative of sove- 
reignt}^, the y)ower of the Ne exeat : for no one was permitted 
to pass out of the city, nor even be ferried over the river with- 
out a hcense or passport. No one could pass into the island, 
but through the cit}' gates, and if any one attempted so to do 
while the gates Avere locked, death was the penalty. The 
fort, batteries, redoubts, and fortifications, were prohibited 
ground from the citizens. And yet no murmurs were audi- 
ble. They yielded with alacrity to the exigencies of the 
crisis. They shared the toil of the soldiers on military duty 
and nocturnal watch. They united in the repairs of the for- 
tifications. Indeed the true element of public defence — popu- 
lar opinion — was awakened and eiddndled. The work of 
reparation went on with a vigor which the acknowledged 
poverty of the public treasury had no effect in diminishing. 
The people persevered until winter, when the commanders 
pronounced the fortifications a sufl^icient defence without the 
presence of their fleet. On their departure, however, to Hol- 
land, it was deemed expedient to leave the Siu'rinatn, a 44 
gun ship, under the immediate command of Governor Colve, 
and the frigate Sea Dog [Zee Hond), under Captain Evert- 
son, as an additional guaranty for the safety of the city. The 
Surrinam was moved in the East River in front of the City 
Hall, and smaller vessels were directed to leave the dock 
which was in rake of the fort, and take shelter in rear of the 
Surrinam in case of attack. The immediate removal or de- 
molition of between twenty and thirty houses, gardens, and 
orchards under the ramparts of the fort and outside of the city 
fortifications, was deemed indispensable. And the Governor 
and his council, (Steenwyck, De Peyster, and Van Brugh) 
issued their proclamation for that purpose, and it was obeyed. 
Thus passed the first year of the conquest. The whole 
city, at times, exhibited the bustle of a besieged place. The 
uncertainty of the time of an attack which all expected, kept 
the population in a state of excitement. Rumors and inci- 
dents occurred to Keep up or increase the excitement, and 



13 



occasionally to spread dismay among t'le timid and super- 
stition^.* 

The alarm during- tlie winter in a measure subsided. The 
indomitable passion of the Dutch populace for the amuse- 
ments of the simple reel, hipseysaw, shufHe shufflle, cards, 
ninepins, balls, plucking (he goose, planting May-trees on 
Newyears as well as Mayday, and the May-pole surrounded 
with ragged stockings before the door of the bridegroom, had 
now a respite for indulgence. Previous events may have in- 
terrupted, but nothing in the shape of peril, the demands of 
public service, witchcraft nor fanaticism, could suppress en- 
tirely this passion. The appropriate amusements of the win- 
ter therefore passed off without material abatement. In the 
spring, however, the alarm, and a correspondent activity for 
defensive operations revived. Captain Evertson, on one occa- 
sion, (April, 1674,) was ordered by the Governor and Coun- 
cil, who had received information of some strange vessels hav- 
ing entered " Sa)id-pont,^^ to proceed " this instant''^ with 
the " Snomv,^^ and, without exposing his vessel to danger, re- 
turn with all possible speed with the result of his reconnoiter. 
But the alarm was groundless. England and Holland had 
already renewed their amicable relations. Peace had been 

* A female came to the cily who was formally accused before the 
Governor and Council of being a witch; Governor Colve, however, 
treated the complaint as frivolous. During this troublesome period, a 
fanatic also entered the city by the name of Fforraan. from Oyster- 
bay, who, pretending, like him that spread terror among the eitizens of 
London during the plague, to be divinely inspired, made, as the record 
states, " a terrible hue and cry in the streets," crying on the bridge of 
the Heeren gracht, (Broad street,) and before the houses of the Hon- 
orable Steenwyck and John Lawrence: "woe! woe! to the crowne 
of pride and the drunkarts of Ephreim. Twoo woes past and the third 
camming, except ye repent, repent, repent — as the kingdom of God is 
at hand." This fanatic went through the Dutch villages on Long 
Island, to New England, crying the same words. He came again with- 
out consent to the city — entered the church— abused withlevity the word 
of God — interrupted the worship, was arrested, tried, condemned 
whipped, and banished. 



14 



concluded by the ireaty of London in February, (1674.) 
The news was brought, in May, by a despatch from New 
England. But to many it was more unwelcome than would 
have been the appearance of an enemy's fleet; for it brought 
the sorrowful, if not humiliating fact, that "New Orange" 
was to become once more " New York ;" and that the pro- 
vince of Novum Belgicum was forever ceded to the sove- 
reignty of England! 

The cession, however, was not consummated by a restora- 
tion of the city until October. The administration of Go- 
vernor Colve therefore continued until that date. In this in- 
terval a new election of city magistrates took place in Au- 
gust ; and Beeckman was now elevated to the bench of Bur- 
gomasters ; Van Cortland, Rombouts, and Hoogland, were 
among the elected Schepens ; and William KnylT was ap- 
pointed High Sheritr and Attorney General. 



CITY DEBT AND WEALTH. 

The public defence, including damages awarded to the own- 
ers of buildings demolished or removed, over or above the ap- 
praised value of the government lots,* and houses given to 
them in exchange, amounted to 11,000 guilders ($4,565) at 
the close of the lirst year. In the beginning of the next, 
(February, 1675,} the Burgomasters and Schepens repre- 
sented, in a petition to the Governor, that, having become 
greatly indebted by these '-excessive expenses," and being 
vexed by some of their creditors to make payment, they 
solicited that some expedient might be devised, by which 
these, and other expected expenses, might be liquidated. The 
Governor concluded that the most efficacious mode of raising 
the amount, would be by an equal and equitable taxation of 
the whole property of the citizens ; and that it might be made 

* Vacant lots were valued at 400 to 450 guilders (41^ cents per 
guilder.) 



15 



without oppression or parlialily, it was proposed tliat six 
commissioners be appointed, two from I lie government, two 
from the community, ;nid (wo from the mag-istracy. The 
Commissioners immediately entered upon the discharge of 
their duties, assessed the estates, and reported a list by which 
it appears that one hundred and thirty-four estates were 
taxed and valued in the aggregate at £90,000 ($226,000) 
which may be regarded as the wcahli of the city at tliis 
epoch.* 

*The lowest taxed valuation was 300 guilders, (3s.4d. or 41^ cts. 
per guilder) ; the highest was Frederick Philipse, 80,000 guilders. The 
next was Cornells Steenwyck, 50,000; Nicholas de Meyer, 50,000; 
Olof Stephensen Van Cortland, 45,000 ; John LaAvrence, 40,000, and 
so on, from forty to thirty-five, thirty, twenty tiiousand, &c. The 
following names appear in the taxation list, viz: 

Adolph Peterson, Andrias Jochems, Albert Bosch. Abram Carmar, 
Allard Anthony, Abraham Jansen, Carpenter, Anthony Jansen Van 
Sale, Adrian Vincent, Abel Hardenbroeck, Abraham Verplanck, Asser 
Leevy, Abram Lubbersen, Anthony De, Anna Vfin Borssum, Barent 
Coersen, Balthasar Bayard, Boele Roelofsen. BarnaJus Hasfalt, Bay 
Croe Svelt, Balthasar de Haerts House, Claes Lock, Carsten Leursen, 
Cornelies Steenwyck, Cornells Van Ruyven, Cornelis Janse van Hoo- 
ren, Claes Bordingth, Coenraet Ten Eyck, Christopher lioogland, 
Cornelis Chopper, Corel Van Brugges's houses, Cornells Van Borssum, 
David Wessels, Cornelis Direkson, from westveen, Cornells Barentse 
Vander Cuyll, Dirck Smct, David Jochems, Daniel Hendricks, Dirck 
Van Clcef, Dirck Wiggerse, Dirck Sieken, Dirck Claesse, Potter, 
Aegidius Luyk, Egbert Wouterse, Evert Pieterse, Evert Wesselso 
Kuyper, Evert Duyckingh, Ephraim Harmans, Elizabeth Driseus, 
Elizabeth Bedloo, Ffrancois Rombouts, Ffredrick Philipse, Ffredrick 
Arentse, turner, Ffredrick Gisberts, Guiliane Verplanck, Guiliam de 
Honioud, Gapriel Minville, Gerret Gullevever, Mary Loockermans, 
Harmanus Burger & Co. Hendrick Kip, sen. Hendrick Bosch, Hen- 
Hendrick Wessels Smit, Hendrick Gillesse, shoemaker, Hendrick 
Willemse Backer, Hermanns Van Borsum, Hans Kierstede, Hendrick 
Van Dyke, Hartman Wessels, Harmen Smecmar, Henry Bresier, 
Johnannes Van Brugh, Johnnis de Peyster, Jcronimus Ebbingh, .Jacob 
Kip, Isaacq Van Vlecq, Jan Mleynder se Karman, Isack de Foreest, 
Junan Blanck, Jacob de Naers, Jan Hendrick Van Bommel, Jacob 
Leumen, Jeremias Jansen Hagenaer, Jacobus Van de Water, Jan 



16 



THE VIEW.'^ 



The city at this date was within the present hmits of Wall, 
Pearl, State, and Greenwich streets. Six streets have since 
been formed into the rivers, and the principal part of the Bat- 
tery is also an artificial formation. Here ledges of rocks pro- 
jected from the water that laved the shore of the Capsey or 
dividing- point of the two rivers, now State street. 

The city comprised probably not more than three hundred 
houses, and three thousand inhabitants, including the garri- 
son. The Province contained, it is asserted in one of the 
early records, not over six thousand, of whom there were not 
more than one New Eno-lander to fifteen Hollanders. 



Dirckse Meyer, Isacq Van Tricht, in his brother's house, Jacob 
Abrahamse, shoemaker, Jan Van Bree Steede, Jonas Bartels, Jan 
Herberdingh, Jacob Teuniss Key, Jan Spiegelaer, Jan Jansen, car- 
penter, John La\Yrence, James Matheus, Jan Reay, pipemaker, Jan > 
Coely Smet, Jan Schakerley, Jan Joosten, barquier, Jacob Leyslaer, • 
Jan Vigne, Jacob Varrevanger, Laurens Jan sen Smet, Luycas 
Andries, barquier, ].aurens Van de Spiegel, Lammert Huybertse 
Moll, Laurens Hoist, Luyckes Tienhovcn, Marten Kregier, sen. 
Marten Jansen Meyer, Matheys de Haert, Nicholas de Meyer, 
Nicholas Rayard, Nicholas du Puy, Nicolas Jansen, backer, Olof 
Stevensen Van Cortland, Peter Jacobs Marius, Peter Nys, Paulus 
Richard, Peter de Riemer, Paulus Tureq, Pictcr Van de Water, 
Pieter Jansen Mes:er, Philip Johns, Reynier VVillemse, backer, 
Stephanus Van Cor.landt, Simon Jantz Komcyn, Sibout Claess, 
S'ouwert Olp heresse. Thomas Leurs, Thomas Lodwerss, backer, 
Wilhelm Beeckman, Wander Wessels, Willem Van der Schueven. 

* This view was copied from a manuscript copy of one which was originally 
published in Holland, and which copy was made in 17G9, by Du Simitier, a 
French gentleman of antiquarian research, ttaste, and learning, who resided and 
died in Philadelphia. His manuscripts were preserved in the Loganian branch of 
the library of that city; and by the liberality of the officers of that institution, the 
writer was permitted to transcribe freely, such documents, iis he deemed useful, 
for the illustration of the History of New York. Satisfii-d of its authority, as a 
correct delineation immediately prior lo the conquesr in July, 1673, upon various 



17 



VIEW. — A. The vessels lying' on the North River side of 
the Capsey, [jig. 1.) were Fort Orangiensche oft Albanishe 
Jachteii : Fort Orange or Albany sloops. 

Fig. 1. The Capsey, or dividing point between the North 
and East Rivers. 

The first row of buildings from fig. 1 to S, were near State 
street, and extended to White Hall street. The next row near 
the fort, formed Pearl street, or Parrell street as it is called 
in one of the records of 1673, which then extended only to 
White Hall street. Between Pearl street and the fort, stood 
the large wooden-horse ten or twelve feet high, with an edged 
back, on which the culprit was seated, and his legs fastened 
with a chain to an iron stirrup, and sometimes a weight was 
fastened to the foot. 

B. Vlagg-Spil daer de vlag wordt opgehaelt als er 
comen Scheejjeii in dese Haveii^ the flag-sla(V wliereon the 
ilag was hoisted upon the arrival of vessels into the harbor. 

C. Fort Amsterdam, genaam,t Jmnes Fort hy de En- 
gelsdie. Fort Amsterdam, otherwise called James Fort by 
the English. The name officially given to the fort in 1673, 
was " Fort Willem Hendrick." It was first erected and 
finished in 1635, by Gov. Van Twiller, neglected by Governor 
Kieft, repaired and surrounded by a stone wall by Governor 
Stuyvesant, and demolished, and the ground levelled in 1790 
and '91, 

D. Gevangen Huys. The prison-house or goal. It was 
of stone and built by Governor Kieft. 

E. Gereformeerde Kerck. The Reformed Dutch Church 
was erected within the fort, by Governor Kieft, in 1642. It 
was of stone, and covered with oak shingles, which exposed to 
the weather, soon resembled slate. 

The contract for the erection of this church is upon record. 
It was made in May, 1642, before the Secretary of the New 

grounds in the recapitulation of which it is not necessary to occupy the readers at- 
tention, the writer caused this interesting relic to be engraved, and has added the 
following notes in explanation of the names of edifices, streets, &c. appended to 
the original map. 

3 



18 



Netherlands, between " William Kieft, Chmch AVaiden, at 
the request of his brethren, the Church Wardens of the church 
in New Nctherland, and John Ogden, of Stanford, and Rich- 
ard Ogden, who contracted to build the church of rock-stone, 
72 feet long-, 52 broad, and 16 feet high above the soil, for 
2500 gilders (£416 13 4) " in beaver, cash or merchandize, 
to wi(, if the Church Wardens are satisfied with the work, so 
that, in their judgment, the 2500 gilders shall have been 
earned— then said Cburch Wardens will reward them with 
one hundred gilders [£16 13 4] more," in the mean time 
assist (hem whenever it is in their power, and allow them the 
use, for a month or six weeks, of the Company's boat, to facili- 
tate the carrying of the stone thither. 

The church was not completely finished until the first year 
of Governor Stuyvesant's administration. In July, 1647, he 
and two others were appointed Kcrk Meesters, [Church 
Wardens,] to superintend the work, and complete it the ensu- 
ing winter. The town bell was removed to this church. 

Between the church and goal, was the corps de garde. 

F. Governeur's Huys. Governor's house. The " big 
house" was built by Van Twillcr, partly of logs and brick, but 
a nuich superior one of stone erected by Kieft, 100 feet long, 
50 wide, and 24 high, with two outside Avalks the length of 
the house, the one nine, and the other ten feet broad ; entry 50 
feet long, and 20 broad, with a partition and double chimney, 
with cellars, windows, doors, &c. 

The Secretary's office was at the north gate, at the north- 
east bastion of the fort. It was built in behalf of Cornelius 
Tienhoven, who was Secretary of New Netherlands under 
Van Twiller and Kieft, 

The buildings within the fort were burned dining the 
famous negro plot, in 1741. 

S. Stuyvesant Huys. Governor Stuyvesant's house or 
dwelling was built about four years before he surrendered his 
government to the English. 

Fig. 2, 3. The public wharf (2) and harbor or dock, (3) 
were built by the burgomasters of the city about the year 
1658. Here vessels loaded and unloaded, and a wharfage 



19 



duty was exacted at first of eight stivers* per last.t The 
harbor (3) was constructed to accommodate vessels and yachts, 
in which, during- winter, the barques stationed there might be 
secured against the floating- ice ; for which large vessels paid 
annually " one beaver, and smaller in proportion, to the city, 
to keep it in order." This w^iarf and harbor are now a part 
of Whitehall street, Whitehall slip having since been formed 
into the river. 

H. De Waegh. The weigh, or balance. This was 
erected in 1653, by Governor Stuyvesant, and the standard 
Aveight and measure kept in the balance house, was accord- 
ing- to those of the city of Amsterdam. To this standard 
merchants were obliged to conform, and to pay the eyck- 
fiieesler for marking their weights and measures. Goods were 
here also brought in bulk and weighed, before they were stored 
in the public store house (G.) 

G. ''T Magazyn. The magazines or public store houses, 
or jiack huyscn, formerly of the Dutch West India Company, 
the "lords patroons" of this city, were situated in Winckel 
5/rae^, (Store street) now Stone street, wliich then extended 
from the now Whitehall street to Broad street. 

Between Winckel street, and the dock (3) and the wall 
along the harbor, and in the direction across the bridge (6) at 
the foot of Heeren gracht (see I.) was the Bnig straet (now 
Bridge street,) and between this and the dock or wail was 
that portion of the present continuation of Pearl street, which 
was after this viev/ called Dock street, on the border of which, 
between de waegh and bridge a small market house (5) was 
erected in 1656, and a market established every Saturday on 
the shore. 

In rear of Winckle street, and between that and Becver 
gracht, now Beaver street, was an open space called markt- 
velt, where a market had been held, and an annual fair or 
cattle-show exhibited, before the market house on the shore 
was erected. It embraced the plain before the fort, and a lane 

* A stiver was two pence. f A last 81:f bushels. 



20 



reaching froiri Marketfield (4) to Broad street, and called 
Marktvelt-steegje, Marketfield lane, is now Marketfield 
street.* 

The most westerly buildings in this view bordered on the 
east side of Breede-iveg; or tlie Broadway, which on the west 
side was carefully left open for the range of the cannon of the 
fort. Along the west side from the fort, as far as the present 
Trinity Church, was formerly the West-India Company's gar- 
den, and thence beyond the city walls was the Company's 
farm, afterwards the King's farm, and extending to the pre- 
sent Duane street. 

1. Heere7i-gracht. Gentlemen's, or Lords' canal, now 
(Broad street.) It was called the Moat in the time of Gover- 
nor Kieft, and the Great Dyke at the close of the English 
Governor Lovelace's administration, (1672,) when it was or- 
dered to be contracted and cleaned, and when also the streets 
of the city were paved. The Dutch called it Breede-gracht 
as well as Heeren-gracht ; and the street, Gracht-straet, 
or Canal street; and after, Breede-straet-, or Broad street. 
Three years after this view, (viz., 1676,) the gracht (canal) 
was ordered to be filled up, and the street levelled and paved. 
Beever-gracht entered the Heeren-gracht from the west, and 
Prince' s-gracht, or Prince straet, (now a continued part of 
Beaver street,) extended eastward, and terminated in a Shot, 
or ditch, whence has been derived the name of Sloat lane. 

In the vicinity of the Heeren-gracht was the Schapen-wei/, 
or the sheep pasture, sometimes called the sheep valley. 

From the Heeren-gracht to the Stadt-huys (K) inclusive, 
was Hoog straet, (High street,) that is, from a point a little 
north-west of the corner of the present Pearl and Broad streets 
to the south of the lane leading from Cocnties slip into the 
present Stone street. 

K. Stadt-huys, State House, or City Hall, denominated 
also Stadt-herberg, or City Tavern, was situate opposite the 



* Benson's Memoir has aided the writer of tliese notes in locati 
some of ihe streets. 



21 



first half-iiioou (R. 1) at the corner of Hoog-straet, (which 
afterwards was called Little Dock street, and now Pearl street,) 
and the lane running from Coentics slip westward into the 
street which is now a continuation of Stone street. 

The Stadt-herberg was br.ilt by Governor Kieft, and 
finished in 1642, for tlie purpose, in part, of relieving himself 
from the burden of hospitality with vv'hich he had been (axed 
while his New England neighbors tarried at the "Manha- 
does" on their voyages to Virginia. It was built at the ex- 
pense of the West India Company, and called the Company's 
Tavern. It was afterwards, upon application of tlie Burgo- 
masters granted to the city for the puposes of a Stadt-huys, 
City House, as well as the " Great" or " Public Tavern." 
This celebrated building is supposed to have been standing 
opposite Coenties slip, and though afterward., divided into two 
departments or buildings, is tlie same that was formerly owned 
or occupied by Brinckerhoof and Van Wyck , in 1806 by 
Abraham Brinckerhoof, and afterwards by his heirs. 

The first Stadt-huys was a three story house, with a schroe- 
ringe* 

In front of the City Hall, Jacobus Van de Water, the Mayor, 
with the guard of the citizens, is represented as upon the 
evening parade. In 1673, at the beat of the drum, half an 
hour before sun-set, the militia (sciUtery) of the city, then on 
guard held their parade before the City Hail. The Mayor 
then proceeded to tlie city gates and locked them at sun-set, 
and at sun-rise he opened them. 

In front of the City Hall were the stocks and whip{)ing- 
post. The ducking-stool, or ratlier cocking stool, was not yet 
erected, notwithstanding the Lutheran Minister, in 1673, 
pleaded in bar to a public prosecution against him for striking 
a female, that she "provoked him to it by scolding.'''' 

R. 1. liondeel, redoubt, or half-moon, was also in front of 
the City Hall, and is now a part of Coenties slip, or Coen and 
Antye Ten EycWs slip. 



* Moat, ditch, or canal, line.i with planks, to prevent the f anh from tumbling. 



22 



III the rear of the Cily Hall was ^hjk-steeg. Mire lane ; 
and a tannery extended from (he north corner of tlie lane, 
passsing- from Coenties slip to Mire lane, on which a bark mill 
stood. Hence the present Mill street. In rear of this was 
elevated t^round, and near it was de Wannoes-slraet, (Street 
of Vegetables,) now Exchange place ; near whicli were the 
Citizens' Guard House, and the Lutheran Church, (L) or Lu- 
thersche Kerch. From the Cily Hall, following the curva- 
ture of the shore to Smet-straet, (fig. 7,) thai is, from Coen- 
ties slip along Pearl street as it winds into WiUiam by Hano- 
ver square, was tiie Cliigel, Encircling, or Exterior street, 
'i'hence from Rondcel, or Half Moon, (R. 2,) now a part of 
Old slip, towards the Watcr-poorl, (M) was the Burgers^ (or 
Citizens') path, between the row of buildings (tig. 10) and 
the wall along the shore. 

These buildings were situated on the ground, now the wes- 
tern side of Pearl street, along Hanover square towards Wall 
street. At the southern end of the row, near the Civgle, 
commenced Smeer-street, (Greese street,) or Smct-st?'act, af- 
terwards called Smith street, and now the lower end of Wil- 
liam street. 

(R. 3.) This Rendeel, or half-moon,* is now a part of 
Coffee House slip. 

(T) The East River, running between the Island Manhat- 
tan and Yorkshire, or Long Island. 

The Block House, at the Water Gate, (M) was at the 
north-east corner of the present Pearl and Wall streets. 

The City Wall was of earth, thrown up from a moat dug in 
1653 from the East to the North River, at first four or five feet 
deep and ten or eleven broad, somewhat sloping at the bottom. 
On the top of this wall was a closely connected line of pali- 
sadoes, extending a like distance from the Water-gate along 
the north-east side of the present Wall street (fig. 10) to the 
North River. Hence was derived the name of the present 
Wall street, which coursed along the southern base of the moat. 

• Literally, a "round bulwark." 



23 



(M) Water-jjoort. The Water port, or Gate, sometimes 
called the East River Gate, was connected with the Block 
House at the east end of the wall. 

(O) Land-poort. The Land-port, or City Gate, was in 
the Broadway ; whence the wall and palisadoes extended to a 
fortification in the rear of Trinity Church, which was not 
built till eighteen years after the date of this view. 

(Fig-. 11.) The Lady's Valley, a fashionable resort in the 
days of Governor Kieft, was probably the same place which 
was denominated, in the period of his successor, Maagde- 
pae/je, (the Virgins' path,) now Maiden lane. 

(N.) iSmidt^s Valei/, abbreviated to Sfnet, or Smee's Vly, 
was a marsh, extending from the rising ground, a liitle north 
of the city walls, along the East River, or shore of the present 
Pearl street, to the rising ground near Fulton street. 

(P.) Weg na H versche water. The vvay to the fresh 
water, or fresh water pool or de Kolck, north of the rising 
ground, filled up within a iaw years, and Collect street and 
others laid out in this part of the city. 

(Q.) Wint Molen. This wind-mill was erected in 1662, 
outside of tl-.e " City land port," (O) in Broadway, between 
the present Liberty and Conrtlandt streets. 



CONCLUSION. 

Such was the City of New York under the denomination 
of New Orange, one hundred and seventy years ago. Not a 
vestage remains of its ancient structure or character. Where 
now its proud fortress? Its stadt huys and stadt herherg 1 
Its lords' canal 1 its gardens, orchards, and shade trees % its 
Biu'gers' path, where patriotism infused its public spirit, as it 
mused over the fancied imperishability of the city % its Ladies' 
Valley, where the impassioned strain was whispered by the 
gallant of the day in the ears of his inamorata % All have 
disappeared. New Orange lies buried beneath the super- 
structures of modern magnificence. Is it possible that in the 



24 



short space of two lives, such n total wreck, such an obhvion 
of an entire city, should have occurred] Even so. Nay, further, 
the very language, customs, costume, amusemenis, govern- 
ment, laws, and currency, have vanished with those who held 
authority, swayed fashion, and fretted their brief day as the 
opulent burgers of the city ! What a connnent on the pride 
of family v;ealth and power ! ^Vhy, the very names sound 
strangely in modern ears ; and yet among them, there were 
virtues, which gave lustre to humanity, mingled with follies 
and vices and crimes. Such is the mixed character of human 
nature in every age and clime. 

But the predominance of virtue over vice depends from the 
influences of the social condition. Without inquiring whether 
those of the period we have reviewed were more congenial to 
virtue than the present, it will be admitted that modern New 
York is a proof that the present age surpasses any former in 
mere invention and external improvement. The extraordinary 
progress of New Yoik witliin half a century must be ascribed 
to modern commerce, cherished by, and cherishing liberal in- 
stitutions. The armed conmiercial monopolies of Holland, 
and that undefined liberty which the Prince of Orange battled 
for, and the United Belgic Provinces feebly represented and 
conceived, have been succeeded in this, their transatlantic 
scene of operations, by an umestricted commerce, and a code 
of constitutional liberty. These are the causes which have 
precipitated the total annihilation of New" Orange— by an 
effort almost as sudden and complete as if some convulsion of 
nature had swept away an entire city, and entombed it as 
a mystery of the past. 



> -yiw.' ^^ ■* 




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